Automatic dividing device for conveyer systems



July 18, 19.50 w. H. HARTMANN 2,515,871

AUTOMATIC DIVIDING DEVICE FOR CONVEYER SYSTEMS 'Filed Sept. 16, 1948 2Sheets-Sheet 1 /s ArraPh/n! July 13 1950 l w. H. HARTMANN 2,515,871

AUTOMATIC DIVIDING DEVICE Fox coNvEjfER svsms v Filed Sept. 16, 1948 Y 2sheets-sheet 2 fl? 44 44 66 165 ,ag fj;

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lll/1 140 A/40 .ll/s firme/vn! Patented July 18, 1950 T OFFICE AUTOMATICDIVIDING DEWCE FOR CONVEYER SYSTEMS William H. Hartmann, Lemay, Mo.Application Septemberl, 1948, Serial No. 4951i (Cl. 198--3l) l1 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to an improved device for usewith conveyor systems extensively employed in the bottling, canning, andsimilar industries.

The invention is particularly applicable to that type of conveyor systemwherein a single line of bottles, cans, or the like from one machine, isdivided into two separate lines to be fed to a pair of other machines.

Primarily, though not exclusively, the invention is designed forincorporation in the conveyor system of a bottling plant.

Such system ordinarily includes a bottle-washing machine, a plate typeconveyor leading therefrom to a separation or division point, a pair ofbottle-nlling machines, and a separate conveyor leading from the pointof division to each of the latter machines.

Or, such a system may include a nlling machine from which a single lineof filled containers may be conveyed to a division point, whence twoconveyors may feed, for example, a pair of labeling machines.

In a bottle-washing and iilling system, for example, the washing machinenormally cleanses the bottles at a rate of speed considerably higherthan that at which a t; machine can fill them, so that one washingmachine can simultaneously supply bottles for two filling machines. Thismethod of operation in connection with bottles in bottling plants, cansin canning plants, and other containers in analogous industries, is welllrnown.

Heretofore, various types of dividing mechanisms, particularly of theso-called star wheel type, have been employed in'this connection. The

' "principal disadvantage inherent in these devices is that theynecessarily continue the divided feeding of ware to both conveyors, eventhough be cause of mechanical failure, one of the pair of recipientmachines is temporarily inoperative.

Thus, for example, in a bottling plant, should one of the iillingmachine require a timing or other adjustment while the system is inoperation, it becomes necessary either to shut down the entire system,or to manually remove the bottles from the conveyor feeding the fillingmachine whlch is temporarily out of order.

lit also frequently happens that in the process of filling the bottlesunder high pressure, a bottle breaks, resulting in repeated momentaryshutdowns of one or the other filling machinefin order to remove thebroken glass.

The primary object of the present lnven "on lis to provide adivider'including means whereby a temporary breakdown or shutdown of oneiilling machine, automatically halts further feeding oi bottles to thatmachine without interrupting the continued feeding of bottles to theother filling machine. 1

Another object is to provide divider mechanism whereby each fillingmachine automatically controls the feeding of ware to that conveyorwhich is associated with said machine.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a dividing devicewhich in addition to having automatic features, is capable of operatingat exceedingly high speeds, intermediate speeds, or low speeds, withequal facility. in other words, the instant device, without requiringadjustment, is adaptable to any conveyor system of the character underconsideration.

A feature of the invention resides in the ar,- rangement whereby innormal operation, the leading unit of the single line of ware will causethe dividing mechanism to function.

Another feature resides in the arrangement whereby in non-normaloperation, that is when one of the filling machines is not in operation,the leading unit ofthesingle line of ware will be deected to theconveyor supplying the machine which is in operation.

There are other advantages and features of the invention, in addition tothose set forth. These will be apparent or pointed out in thedescription to follow, reference also being had to the accompanyingdrawings, which illustrate the invention, by way of example,incorporated in a conveyor system interposed between a bottlewashingmachine and two' bottle-filling mashines.

In said drawings:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatical illustration in top plan of such a system;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of Fig. l, with guide rail elementsomitted;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the divider unit comprising the presentinvention, said unit being shown per se;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view thereof;

Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view thereof;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 3 certain elements of the mechanismbeing portrayed in alternate position, and others being broken away inthe interest of clarity;

Fig. 7 is an approximately central sectional f view of the device withthe movable elements oc- 3 respectively on the lines 6-6 and 9-8 in Fig.8;

Fig. '10 is a fragmentary side elevational View of the device as itappears from the side opposite that portrayed in Fig. 4;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken on line lI--IIof Fig. 4;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary plan view. certain elements being omitted, anda valve stem being shown in horizontal section;

Fig. 13 is a side elevational view of one of the defiector plates, perse;

Fig. 14 is an end elevational view thereof:

Fig. 15 is a horizontal sectional view thereof taken on line IS-i ofFig. 13;

Fig. 16 is an isometric view of a slide member;

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on line |1-I1 ofFig. 4, the scale to which the view is drawn being slightly enlarged;

Fig. 18 isa horizontal sectional view through a valve block illustratingparticularly a valve and passage arrangement at an upper level in saidblock;

Fig. 19 is a similar view at a lower level;

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 18 with the valve in analternate position.

Fig. 21 is a vertical sectional view of the rotary valve per se.

With particular reference now to Figs. 1 and 2, numeral 20 indicates astandard endless conveyor preferably of the plate type, the forward ordischarge end of which is defined by a sprocket 22 about the peripheryof which the conveyor travels.

The sprocket 22 may be an idler. in which event the conveyor is drivenby power means associated with the washing machine; or said sprocket maybe driven from any suitable source of power applied to the shaft 24, asis understood.

In either event. conveyor 20 travels forwardly, or to the right in thedrawings. as indicated by aIIOWS.

Propelled forwardly in upright position on said conveyor, is a singleline of bottles B, indicated in broken lines. The bottles B are suitablyspaced as shown, or otherwise, the spacing being dependent upon thedelivery speed of the washer. as is understood.

It is noted that, as will appear, the instant device is so designed thatit will operate even though the single line of bottles B should actuallybe in contact with one another as they advance.

Overlapping the end portion of conveyor 26, and adjacent either sidethereof, is an endless conveyor which travels in the same direction. andthe upper stretch of which is in the same plane. as that of conveyor 28.

The first of these conveyors is designated 26,

`and leads to a first filling machine: the second of these conveyors isdesignated 28, and leads to a second filling machine.

The rear end of each of these conveyors travels about a sprocket 30,which may be an idler. or it may be a, driven member, as is understood.

Along either margin thereof, conveyor 26 is provided with stationaryware guide rails 32, shown only diagrammatically in plan, in Fig. 1.

The conveyors 26 and 28 respectively also have similar guide rails 34and 36 ,along their margins, the inner rails in both instances forming acontinuation of guide rails provided on the divider device, as willappear.

An angularly disposed guide rail 38 connects one of the guide rails J2with the outer rail I4,

and a similar rail 48 connects the other rail 32 with outer rail 36.

All of these guide rails are of a width to prevent the bottles fromtipping over as they travel along the conveyors, and during the timethey are transferred from the single line conveyor 28 to either of theconveyors 26 or 28, as is understood.

The guide rails form no part of the instant invention, any well-knownrail construction of this type being suitable.

Removably and adjustably mounted on a standard 42 as shown, or on anyother suitable stationary support adjacent the overlapping conveyor endportions, is the divider unit of the present invention. It is generallydesignated in Figs. 1 through 7 by reference numeral 44.

Included in this device is a substantially rectangular housing or casingcomprising a bottom wall 46, side walls 48, a rear end wall 50, and apointed or tapered forward wall 52. Rear wall 8l is preferably providedwith a recess 54, and the apex of forward wall 52 is preferably roundedas at 56, for reasons to appear hereinafter.

The standard 42 diagrammatically illustrated, is representative of anysuitable stationary support, or supporting structure, and preferablyincludes a horizontally disposed top platform portion 88, provided withspaced apertures to receive fastening elements 60 projecting throughlongitudinal slots 62 formed in the bottom wall 6.

The fastening elements 69 may be screws or bolts, and the elongatedslots 62 are provided so that the device 44 may be easily mounted inproper position.

Secured to each side Wall 50 by screws 64, as most clearly seen in Fig.17. are bottle guide rails 66, in alinement with the inner standardguide rails 34 and 36, as shown in Fig. 1.

To each of the converging sides 68 of the forward wall 52, there issecured as by screws 16, an upper rail 12, and a lower rail 14, whichconstitute forwardly extending continuations of the rails 66.

As seen to best advantage in Fig. 8, each upper rail 12 is beveled, orundercut as at 16, to provide a slideway for a purpose to appear.Similarly, each lower rail 14 is beveled, or undercut, as at 18. At theapex formed by the juncture of the upper rails 12, as shown particularlyin Fig. 12, there is provided a threaded aperture 8|, and the upperedges of said rails together with the adjacent edges of walls 68 arerecessed as at l2.

With particular reference to Figs. 7 and 1l, it is seen that each of theconverging walls 66 has formed therein an elongated horizontallyextending slot 83, and that the bottom wall 46 is provided with a pairof upstanding posts 84 and 86.

Secured to each of the side walls 48, is a diaphragm assembly generallydesignated 86, and shown in vertical section in Fig. 9. Each of theseassemblies includes an air chamber 81, a cylindrical casing 88, aflexible diaphragm 89, a retaining ring for the diaphragm, and aplurality of screws 92 which pass through said elements and engage inthe side walls 48 as shown.

A suitable connecting link 93, such as that illustrated, is rigidlysecured at either end to one of the diaphragms, as at 94. Pivotallyconnected to the link 98 centrally thereof as at 95, is the bifurcatedend 96 of a lever 91, the opposite end of which is pivotally attached toa rotary disc 88 by means of a screw 99. A longitudinal slot about thescrew 99 is provided in the lever 91, the latter is rotatably mountedatop the post 88 by means of a screw |02, and the dise 98 is rotatablymounted atop the post 84 by means of a screw |08.

Attached to the underside of the disc 88, by means of diametricallyopposed pivots |04 and |08, are the ends of links |08 and I0respectively. The forward end of link |08 has a pivotal con- -nection||2 with a block ||4, which is slidable in slot 83, and shown per se inFig. 16. The forward end of link ||0 has a similar connection ||3 with asecond block 4 slidable in the opposite slot 83.

Horizontally reciprocable along each of the converging walls 88, andretained between and slidable along the slideways 18 and 18, is adefiector plate secured to one of the slide blocks ||4. Reciprocalmotion is imparted to these plates by means of the links |08 and ||0, aswill appear.

The first of these deflector plates is designated ||8, and its movementsare lregulated by the link |08. The second of these plates is designatedH8, and its movements are regulated by the link ||0. Each of the slideblocks ||4 is provided with a horizontal threaded aperture |20, and eachdeflector plate is secured to its slide block by means of a screw |22.as shown.

It is noted that the outer vertical faces of the plates ||8 and ||8 areiiush with the outer vertical faces of the rails 12 and 14, so that thebottles, or other ware, passing from conveyor 28 to either conveyor 28or 28 are in no way hampered by the reciprocation of said plates.

The deflector plate ||'8 is shown in side elevation in Fig. 10. Itincludes a main body portion |23, an integral forwardly projecting uppernger |24, and in spaced relation to the latter, a forwardly projectinglower linger |28. The extremities of said fingers are rounded as at |28,as may be best seen in Figs.' 6 and 11.

The upper edge of the deflector plate ||8 is beveled as at |29,corresponding to the beveled slideway 18 of one rail 12. The lower edgeof said plate is beveled as at |30, corresponding to the beveledslideway 18 of one rail 14.

Deilector plate ||8 which has general characteristics similar to plateH8, is illustrated in detail in Figs. 13, 14, and l5. It also includes amain body portion designated |3|, an integral forwardly projecting upperfinger |32, and in spaced relation thereto, a forwardly projecting lowerfinger |34. The extremity of each said iinger is rounded as at |35, asappears especially in Figs. 3, 11, and 12.

The rounded ends |28 of the lingers |24 and |28, and the rounded ends|35 of the fingers |32 and |34, are provided primarily for easyinsertion between the leading unit and the next adjacent unit of thesingle line, when these bottles are in contact.

The upper edge of deiiector plate I8 is beveled as at |38 to slidablyengage the beveled slideway 18 of the other rail 12. The lower edge ofsaid plate is beveled as at |31 to slidably engage the beveled portion18 of the other rail 14.

As illustrated in the drawings, the spacing of the finger members issuch that those integral with defiector ||8 may freely traverse thoseintegral with deflector ||8, as said deflectors are reciprocated.

The novel means whereby the divider, or ware deflector plates ||8 and||8 are caused to intermittently and alternately travel forwardly andrearwardly respectively, will now be described.

This much should be obvious from the foregoing description, that if disc98 is caused *c rotate clockwise, as viewed in Fig. 11, the defiectorplate I I8 will travel rrwardly until its rear edge abuts the forwardvertical edges |38 of rails 88, and that simultaneously deflector plate||8 will travel forwardly a tantamount distance, or vice versa. i

The alternating clockwise and counter-clockwise motion of disc 98 is.regulated by lever 91, activated by the diaphragm assemblies 88. Inother words, with particular reference to Fig. 9, when the connection 93is caused to move to the left, the defiector plates I8 and ||8 will bemoved to the position they occupy in Fig. 1l.

Conversely, when connecting member 8'3 is caused to move to the right,the position of said plates will be reversed, as is understood, and asmay be clarified by a comparison of Flits` 3 and. 6.

The diaphragm assemblies 88 are operable by means of compressed airsupplied by the compressed air systems which control the functioning ofthe lling machines, as will appear.

The delivery of air power to one of the diaphragm assemblies while theother is simultaneously exhausting, is governed by the movements of arotary valve |38 in association with a valve block |40 which supportsit.

As seen to best advantage in Figs. '1, 8, and 18 through 2l, the valve|38 has formed therein a series of radial ports leading from a commonair chamber |42 on an upper level, and a series o! radial ports leadingfrom a similar chamber |44 on a lower level.

Thus, at the upper level, an air pressure inlet port |45, an air outletport |48, an exhaust inlet port |41, and an exhaust outlet port |48 arein communication with chamber |42. At the lower level, an air pressureinlet port |50, an air outlet port |5|, an exhaust inlet port |52, andan exhaust outlet port |53 are in communication with chamber |44.

As illustrated in Fig. 21, the chambers are separated by a solid wall|54. A flanged plug |58 has a press fit in the valve body to define thebottom wall of chamber |44, and the top wall of chamber |42 is deiinedby a valve stem |58 which may be secured to the valve body by a pin |80,al shown, or otherwise.

Valve stem |58 extends upwardly beyond the top face of valve |38 toterminate in a squared portion |82 for rigidly aiilxing thereto ahorizontally rotatable arm |83, as particularly shown in Figs. 7 and 8.For smooth operation. a washer |84 may be interposed between theunderside of arm |83 and the top face of the valve, said washer alsoextending beyond the valve body on the surface of the valve block |40.

It is noted that said arm is located in a plane below the top edge ofthe housing, so that its rotary movements are limited, as will appear,by a cross bar |85 rigidly secured to its free end by a screw |88 or thelike.

Intermediate the valve stem |58 and cross bar |85, arm |83 carries ascrew |88 which extends upwardly through` the bifurcated free endportion |89 of a horizontally disposed arm |10. The opposite end of arm|10 is pivotally mounted by means of a screw |1| which engages theaperture in guide member 12. A substantially triangular plate |12 isrigid with arm |18, being pref- 7 erably welded thereto as suggested at|18 in Fig. 6.

The valve block |40 is of substantially triangular coniiguration inplan, so as to snugly iit within the housing at the tapered end thereof.As shown particularly in Fig. 17, said block is rigidly maintained inplace by screws |14 passing through the side walls 48 to engage inthreaded apertures provided therefor in the block.

Valve block |40, as may be observed in Figs. '1. and 17 through 20, hasformed therein three passageways in the plane of the upper level ports,and three passageways in the plane of the lower level ports, of valve|88.

At the upper level, there is an air pressure inlet |16, an outlet |11,and an exhaust passageway |18. As will appear however, the passage |11serves also in an exhaust capacity.

At the lower level, there is an air pressure inlet |80, an outlet |8|,and an exhaust passageway |82. Passage |8| likewise serves also in anexhaust capacity.

A cover plate |84 is provided for the block, being secured in place byscrews |85. The cover plate is provided with four threaded apertures inalinement respectively with the openings |16, |11, |88, and |8|, thearrangement being evident from an inspection of Fig. 7.

The threaded aperture opposite passageway |16, receives a fitting |86 onthe end of a ilexible air conduit |81 leading from one illling machine,that opposite passageway |80, a iltting |88 on the end of a similarconduit |89 leading from the other illling machine.

The threaded aperture opposite opening |11 receives a fitting |90 at oneend oi.' a conduit |92, the other end of which communicates with theright hand diaphragm assembly 86 of Fig. 9.

'I'he threaded aperture opposite opening |8| receives a fitting |94 atone end of a conduit |96, the other end of which communicates with theleft hand diaphragm assembly 86 of Fig. 9.

From the foregoing, it should be apparent that the invention provides acompact divider unit which may be easily and quickly incorporated in aconveyor system of the type under consideration. Wall 50 is recessed toaccommodate the conduits |81 and |89. The rounded apex 56 of the housingpermits smooth reciprocation of the plates ||6 and H8.

Operation In describing the operation of the device, it will be assumed,with particular reference tothe diagrams of Figs. 1 and 2, that conveyor20 is being driven from a power source at the washing machine, and thatconveyors 26 and 28 are being driven from the illling machines.

It will further be assumed that the lling machine conveyors travel atthe same rate of speed relative one another, and relative that ofconveyor 20, although this is not critical in the latter respect, as isunderstood.

It will be assumed also, that both illling machines are in continuousoperation and that the performance of each is vcontrolled by a separatecompressed air system, so that should either of them require a temporaryshutdown, the `air power supplied to that particular machine may be cutoff Without affecting the other machine.

In other words, the rst iilling machine is controlled by a compressedair system which includes the conduit |89, so that air pressure issupplied to passageway |80 as long as said machine is in operation.

Conversely, the second iilling machine is controlled by a compressed airsystem which includes conduit |81, so that air pressure is supplied topassageway |16 as long as the second machine is in operation.

Thus, as will be explained, the right hand diaphragm 89 may be activatedto the position it occupies in Fig. 9 by compressed air from the conduit|81, whereas the left hand diaphragm 89 may be activated to a positionopposite that it occupies in Fig. 9, by compressed air from conduit |89.

Assuming now for example, that a single line of bottles on conveyor 20is approaching the divider 44, and that deector plate ||8 is in theoperative position illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the leading bottle Bwill be diverted toward conveyor 28, by the curved ends |35 of lingermembers |82 and |84. Valve |88 at this time, is in the positionillustrated in Figs. 18 and 19. Consequently, air pressure from thesecond illling machine, passing through the passage |16 and inlet port|45 into chamber |42, thence through outlet port |46, opening |11, andconduit |92 to right hand chamber 81, ilexes adjacent diaphragm 88 tothe left, as in Fig. 9. Said diaphragm will be s0 maintained as long asvalve |38 is not caused to rotate.

Obviously, as the diaphragm moves to the left, the connecting link 98moves with it, whereby arm 91 causes the disc 98 to rotate clockwise asviewed in Figs.*3 and l1. Simultaneously, arm ||0 moves forwardly toslide deflector plate ||6 to the position shown, slide block ||4operating in slot 83. It is manifest therefore from the above, that theplate ||8 will be maintained in this position as long as the position ofvalve |36 remains unchanged.

Intermittent partial rotation of said valve is effected by successivebottles B in commotion with the triangular control plate |12, which in.

normal operation, is caused to oscillate about pivot |1| from its Fig. 3to its Fig. 6 position, and vice versa.

In other words, as leading bottle B rides along the vertical faces ofthe deilector plate H8' and its guideways 12 and 14, it strikestheadjacent laterally projecting edge of control plate |12," and therebycauses said plate to oscillate from its Fig. 3 to its Fig. 6 position.

Since arm |10 is rigid with the control plate. movements of the latterare transmitted to valve stem |58 via the arm |68 and pivotal connection|68, as is manifest. In other words, an instant after bottle B has beendeiiected, valve is rotated from its Fig. 18 to its Fig. 20 position.Over-travel of the valve controlelements in either direction isprevented by the cross.bar |65.

Instantaneously after the valve change, the defiector plate ||8 iswithdrawn from, and defiector plate ||6 is projected into, the path ofthe oncoming single line of bottles, as illustrated in Fig. 6. Thus, thenext bottle, which has now become the leading bottle of the single line,is deilected toward conveyor 26 by the rounded ends |28 of fingers |24and |26. Immediately thereafter, this bottle contacts the projectingedge of control plate |12, to return the valve |38 to its Fig. 18position.

It should be evident, that since the valve changeover requires but aninstant, theA speedv 9 ation, the valve |20 alternately causes the airsupply from the ilrst iilling machine to operate the left hand diaphragm09, and thereupon causes the air supply from the second illling machineto operate the right hand diaphragm, as

viewed in Fig. 9.

Consequently, because the link 93 connects both diaphragms, the lattermove in unison in either direction, so that as the power enters onechamber 01, the air in the other such chamber is exhausted.

Thus with the valve in the Figs. 18 and 19 position, at which time theright hand diaphragm l! is ilexed tothe left, left hand diaphragmchamber 81 is exhausted via conduit |00, passageway III, radial port|52, chamber |44, radial port |53, and opening |82 to atmosphere. The

dot and dash line a in these views respresents the longitudinal centerline of arm |03 in its Fig. 3 position; the dot and dash line brepresents the, same centerline with said arm in its Fig. 6 position.

In Fig. 20, the4 upper level of the valve is shown in the b position. Atsuch time, compressed air from the first illling machine via conduit|00, passing through opening and inlet port |50 into lower chamber |44,thence through outlet port I5|, passageway I8I, and conduit |96 to lefthand chamber 81, flexes adjacent diaphragm 80 to the right.

Simultaneously, right hand chamber 81 is exhausting via conduit |92,passageway |11, radial port |41, upper chamber |42, exhaust port |48,and opening |18 toatmosphere.

An important feature of the invention, as pointed out earlier, is thatthe breakdown or shutdown of one of the lling machines, will not affectthe continued operation of the other. In other words, assuming that thefirst filling machine requires an adjustment, the compressed air supplyis cut oil', so that pressure no longer is available to shift link 93 tothe right.

As a result, defiector plates IIS and IIB remain stationary in the Fig.11 position, so that for the. time being, all bottles from conveyor 20are diverted to conveyor 28. Just as soon as the adjustments have beenmade, and the air supply is turned on at the rst lling machine, thedeilector plates IIB and IIB automatically resume their intermittentreciprocation.

From the foregoing, it is evident that this invention provides adividing device that is not only novel, but also highly eflicient. Itshould likewise be apparent that the device may be incorporated instandard conveyor systems without requiring any structural changestherein.

While the invention is illustrated, and has been described primarily inthe role of a dividing device, it should be evident that with a slightchange in the contour of the control plate |12, and a reversal indirection of the conveyors. the device may likewise be employed todivert bottles from a pair of lines, to a single line.

It should also be apparent, that the invention is operable also bysuction, it being only necessary to reverse the linkage |63, |68 and|10, relative the valve.

In other words, with the valve |38 in the position shown in Figs. 18 and19, arm |63 would be on line b rather than on line a, if suction werethe operating medium.

It is also to be understood, that the precise details illustrated anddescribed, may be modilied without departing from the broad concepts l0o! the invention. which is to be limited only by the appended claims.

What is claimed is: l. A device for automatically dividing-a single lline of ware on one conveyor into two separate lines on a pair ofadjacent conveyors, said device including a pair of deilector platesreciprocabie intermittently across the path oi the leading unit in saidsingle line, a rotary valve the l0 position oi' which is intermittentlyreversed byl successive leading units oi.' said single line, a valveblock for rotatably supporting said valve, a series of passagewaysformed in said block, a rst air supply line in communication with one ofis said passageways, a second air supply line in communication withanother of said passageways, a rst diaphragm assembly, conduit means incommunication at one end with another of said passageways and at theopposite end with 20 an air chamber included in said assembly. a seconddiaphragm assembly, conduit means in communication at one end withanother of said passageways and at the opposite end with an air chamberincluded in said second assembly, and

g5 means operable by said diaphragm assemblies for intermittentlyreciprocating the delector plates aforesaid.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein each of the intermittently reciprocabledeflector plates is provided with an upper and a lower beveled edge insiidable engagement respectively with a similar complementary portion ofan upper and a lower rail member secured to a casing incorporating saiddevice, and wherein each deector plate includes a pair of integralspaced projecting nger members each provided with a rounded extremityadapted to be intermittently reciprocated across the centerline oi' saidtlrst conveyor, and 'across one another.

40 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the rotary valve comprises acylindrical body portion, an

` upper and a lower air chamber separated by a solid wall formedtherein, a valve stem rigid with said body and defining the top wall ofsaid upper chamber, a plug member dening the bottom wall of said lowerchamber, avseries of four radial ports each in communication with saidupper chamber, a series of four radial ports each in communication withsaid lower chamber, and

wherein said valve stem terminates in a squared portion for rigidlyaflixing thereto a horizontally rotatable arm provided with a crossbarfor limiting the rotary movement in either direction of said valve.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the block for rotatably supporting saidrotary valve includes a substantially triangular body portion, avertical circular opening therethrough to accommodate the valve, aseries of three passageways in 00 the plane ofthe upper level ports anda series of three passageways in the plane of the lower level ports ofthe valve, a cover plate provided with two threaded openings at an upperand two similar openings at a lower level, means for reg5 movablysecuring said plate to said block.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the means operable by said diaphragmassemblies for intermittently reciprocating the deilector platesincludes a connecting link between said diaphragms, an arm pivotallymounted intermediate its ends one of which has a pivotal connection withsaid link, and the other of which has a similar connection with a rotarydisc, an elongated slot in said arm about the last-named 78 pivotalconnection, a support for rotatably 1l mounting said disc, a pair oflinks each having one oi' its ends secured to said disc by a pivot, saidpivots being diametrically opposed, and each of said links having itsopposite end pivotally attached to a slide block rigidly secured to oneof said plates.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein each deflector plate includes a mainbody portion provided with a countersunk aperture and a beveled upperand lower marginal edge, a forwardly projecting upper finger integraltherewith, and a forwardly projecting lower finger integral therewithand in spaced relation to said upper finger, the extremities of each ofsaid ngers being rounded, and the countersunk aperture being adapted toreceive the head portion of a screw the shank portion of which is inengagement with a reciprocal slide block operating in a horizontal slotformed in the wall of a casing included in the device.

7. In a divider of the character described, a rotary valve and meanswhereby intermittent partial rotation of said valve is eifected by aunit of ware, said means including a substantially triangular controlplate, a pivotal mounting therefor, a first oscillable arm rigid withsaid plate, a second oscillable arm rigidly secured to the upper stemend of the valve, and a vertically disposed element rigid with thesecond arm and in engagement with the bifurcated free end of the firstarm.

8. The mechanism of claim 7 and means whereby the extent of intermittentpartial rotation in either direction is limited, said means comprising acrossbar rigidly attached to said second arm at the free end thereof,and adapted to strike against one or the other of a pair of wallsincluded in a casing wherein said mechanism is mounted.

9. A divider unit for incorporation in a conveyor system of the typedescribed, said unit including a substantially rectangular casing havinga bottom wall, side walls, a rear end wall, and a pointed forward Wall;a rounded apex on said forward wall; a recess in said rear end wall; arotary valve and means for partially rotating said valve; a valve blockfor rotatably supporting the valve and having inlet and outlet airopenings adapted to be brought into registry with radial ports in saidvalve; a pair of air supply lines each leading from a remote source tosaid block, a pair of diaphragm assemblies mounted in opposed relationon the side walls of said casing internally thereof; and an air lineleading from said block to each of said diaphragm assemblies.

10. In combination with a conveyor system of the character described, adevice operable by successive containers to divide a singler line intotwo separate lines of containers, said device including a pair ofangularly disposed deflector plates reciprocable across the path of thesingle line, linkage controlled by a rotary disc for intermittentlyreciprocating said plates, a pivoted arm for oscillating said disc underthe action of a pair of diaphragm assemblies, and means including avalve and air supply lines for governing the action of said assemblies.

11. In a device of the character described, a pair of opposeddiaphragmassemblies for intermittently reciprocating a pair of slldablymounted deflector plates, each assembly including an annular housingproviding an air chamber, a flexible diaphragm and a retaining ringtherefor, an opening serving alternately as an intake and exhaust forthe air chamber, and a transverse connecting link rigidly attached ateither end to one of said diaphragms, said link having a pivotalconnection with one end of an oscillable arm for activating mechanismcontrolling the movements of the'deflector plates aforesaid.

WILLIAM H. HARTMANN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le ofthis patent:

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